Countdown to Marathon

Less than twenty-four hours to go and everything seems to be in order... relatively speaking. My wife and I have reservations to stay at a hotel in Buffalo and I have a loose list in my head of what I need to pack for the trip in anticipation of a well-run marathon on Sunday morning.

I was (am?) scheduled to run a final training run yesterday (today?), but am feeling as though it might do more harm than good. Other than the normal aches and pains that come with training, I feel pretty strong, but don't want to risk anything. I'm confident that three days off prior to running won't effect my fitness too much.

After stopping at a store to pick up some gel (for the race) after work, doing a last load of "running clothes" laundry and packing my sport bag with stuff, it will be all over part the "real work": running the race. The picture to the right is of me at the start of the same trace in 2006 and, my, how things have changed. Though I am (and look!) two years older, I feel fitter(?) and more prepared. Two years ago I completed the run (with great effort) in 3:49. The goal this year is 3:30. I am so happy that my wife will once again be accompanying me on this trip, so that whether make my goal, or simply finish, she will be there to share in my joy.

Breathe in, breathe out... YOU AND I ARE ALIVE!